Evidence for extended maintenance of the corpus luteum by uterine infusion of a recombinant trophoblast alpha-interferon (trophoblastin) in sheep.
Ovine trophoblastin (oTP) is a natural interferon of the class-II interferon-alpha subfamily. Recombinant ovine trophoblastin (r.oTP), produced by genetic engineering, was purified by anion-exchange HPLC. The product exhibited a high degree of homogeneity (greater than 98%), and similar immunological cross reaction and antiviral activity to natural oTP. Antiluteolytic activity of r.oTP was established by intrauterine injection in two groups of cyclic recipient ewes. Control group A included 10 ewes which received sterile BSA in saline twice daily for 8 days (from day 10-12 of oestrous cycle). Experimental group B included 17 ewes which received 80 micrograms (4 ewes), 170 micrograms (8 ewes) or 340 micrograms (5 ewes) r.oTP daily for 8 days. Maintenance of functional corpora lutea for 1 month or more was observed in 4 out of 5 ewes which received high doses of r.oTP. These results indicate that oTP alone extends luteal secretory activity.
Martal
J
J
I.N.R.A. Unité Endocrinologie de l'Embryon, Jouy en Josas, France.
Degryse
E
E
Charpigny
G
G
Assal
N
N
Reinaud
P
P
Charlier
M
M
Gaye
P
P
Lecocq
J P
JP
D000818:Animals; D003340:Corpus Luteum Maintenance / Q000187:drug effects*; D005260:Female; D007267:Injections; D007370:Interferon Type I; D011247:Pregnancy; D011257:Pregnancy Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000737:chemistry; D011374:Progesterone / Q000097:blood; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000737:chemistry; D012756:Sheep / Q000502:physiology*; D013997:Time Factors; D014599:Uterus
D007370:Interferon Type I; D011257:Pregnancy Proteins; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; C020947:interferon tau; D011374:Progesterone